AI Is Powering a Building Boom

Over the past decade, artificial intelligence (AI) has broken out of the lab and into everyday business. From generative tools to predictive analytics, AI requires massive computing power to function.  That power lives inside data centers, and across the United States, the demand to build them is skyrocketing.

According to Goldman Sachs, AI could drive a 165% increase in data center power demand by 2030. The takeaway is simple: as AI grows, so does the need for stronger, faster facilities to sustain it. To keep up, developers and contractors are turning to precast concrete as the fastest, most durable, and most efficient way to build.

Why AI Is Driving Data Center Construction

AI applications process massive volumes of data that require advanced chips and servers. These components generate more heat, draw more energy, and require precise environmental control. This means that the facilities housing them must be structurally sound, thermally efficient, and built for heavy electrical and mechanical systems.

Traditional cast-in-place construction struggles to keep up with today’s speed and scale demands. Precast concrete can. It delivers the speed, reliability, and flexibility the market now expects. By manufacturing panels off-site while foundations are prepared, site and plant work can happen at the same time, allowing projects to move from concept to completion significantly faster than traditional methods. This streamlined process helps data centers come online faster, reducing overall construction schedules and minimizing downtime for clients eager to meet growing AI demand.

Precast Concrete: Built for Performance and Speed

According to McKinsey & Company, “in the United States, data center demand could grow by 20 to 25 percent per year” by 2030. Meeting that demand requires smarter, faster, and more resilient construction. Precast concrete delivers on all fronts.

• Durability and Security: Precast provides fire resistance, storm protection, and structural longevity, essential for protecting multi-million-dollar technology investments.
• Thermal and Acoustic Benefits: The mass of precast concrete stabilizes internal temperatures and minimizes noise, both critical in facilities packed with sensitive electronics.
• Quality and Consistency: Controlled production environments ensure every panel meets exacting standards, reducing on-site rework and accelerating schedules.
• Labor and Supply Chain Efficiency: Precast minimizes the need for large on-site crews and mitigates delays caused by skilled labor shortages.
• Sustainability: Less waste, fewer on-site emissions, and recyclable materials align with corporate ESG goals and community expectations.

Designing for Expansion and Adaptability

AI technology is evolving quickly and so should the data centers that support it. Precast systems are inherently modular, allowing for future expansion or phased construction without disrupting operations.

We’re also seeing more multi-story designs in the U.S. as land near major power and fiber routes becomes more valuable. Our precast systems offer the strength and span capabilities needed for these heavier, more compact facilities, whether the project involves stacking levels upward or expanding outward.

Meeting the Moment

As AI accelerates, the demand for precast concrete data centers is redefining how America builds its digital backbone. Data center owners need facilities that go up fast, perform flawlessly and last for decades.

At ATMI Precast, we build for that future. Our thermally efficient insulated wall panels, precise connections, and ability to integrate architectural and structural systems make us a trusted partner for AI-ready data centers. Whether delivering a full precast structure or integrating precast elements into a steel frame, we provide the strength, accuracy, and dependability needed to protect essential infrastructure and keep projects on schedule As Promised.

“As technology evolves, the demand for mission-critical data centers will only continue to grow. ATMI Precast is proud to have contributed to more than 30 data center projects in the past four years, delivering the strength, efficiency, and precision these facilities require.”

Want to learn how ATMI Precast supports mission-critical data center projects? Read our blog.

We’re excited to share that ATMI Precast was recently featured in Construction Today! The article, “Passion for PRECAST,” highlights the simple things that set us apart.

At ATMI Precast, we live and work by our core principles: honesty, integrity, and transparency. These values guide everything we do, from the first design conversation to the final ribbon cutting. We build more than structures; we build relationships that last. This feature is a welcome reminder of how hard our team works to make that happen every day.

Thank you to Construction Today for featuring us; it’s an honor. And thank you to our team members and partners who help make every success possible.

If you want to check out the full article, click here. If you’re interested in learning more about how ATMI Precast can deliver As Promised on your next project, reach out to us.

At ATMI Precast, our work doesn’t end when the last panel is set in place. Not even when the ribbon gets cut. They’re moments we consider milestones for celebration, but for us, it’s not the finish line. It’s just the next chapter in our relationship with you.

From the first conversation about your project to the day you walk through your complete structure (and well after), we’re here. Questions pop up. Needs change. Unexpected challenges can arise. And when they do, we don’t disappear into the background. Whether it’s in warranty or years later, ATMI Precast is just a call away, ready to make sure your project continues to perform exactly As Promised.

We recently received a call about a project we worked on nearly 20 years ago. Even though the project was long out of warranty, we didn’t hesitate to provide post-project support. For us, this moment was more than service; it was a great reminder of the lasting relationships we build with every project.

Whether it’s been a few months, a couple of years, or even a few decades, we stand by our work and the people who trust us to build it. It’s why our commitment to you extends far beyond the jobsite. Because at ATMI Precast, it’s never just about a single project. It’s about building a relationship that lasts.

No two building projects are exactly the same, and neither are the paths that bring them to life. But when you’re working with ATMI Precast, you’re not guessing your way through it. You’re backed by a team that has done this for decades, keeps everything in-house, and knows how to guide complex builds from idea to installation.

The buyer’s journey isn’t a perfect step-by-step checklist. It’s more like a puzzle with overlapping decisions, moving parts, and critical timelines. Still, there is a general flow. Understanding that process can help you feel more confident about what to expect, what decisions are ahead, and how to move your project forward.

Here’s how that journey typically unfolds when you partner with ATMI Precast.

Determining Function

Before any drawings are made or materials are ordered, the first and most important question is: What is the purpose of this building? Will it be a manufacturing facility? A distribution center? A parking garage? Mixed-use? This single question is the foundation for every single decision that follows.

Context and Environment

Once the function is clear, the next step is to think about the surroundings. Does the structure need to reflect the aesthetic of the surrounding neighborhood or campus? Is it part of a broader development with a defined look and feel? Some projects need to allow for future expansion. This stage ensures that your project fits its environment both visually and functionally.

Style + Budget

Some buildings are built to be purely functional. Others need to make a statement. Either way, design decisions directly impact the build method, the timeline, and the overall cost. That’s why ATMI works with you early to align your aesthetic vision with your financial goals and functional needs. We don’t push one solution. Instead, we ask smart questions and guide you toward a plan that delivers both form and function.

Exploring Building Methods

This is often when ATMI Precast enters the conversation, although we’re ready to get involved even earlier! From wood to brick to concrete block, cast-in-place, or precast, there are plenty of options to consider. If you know you want concrete but are unsure whether precast or cast-in-place makes more sense, we’ll help you explore the difference. You’ll get data-backed recommendations and insights drawn from more than 40 years of experience helping clients make the right call.

Preconstruction + Design Collaboration

As your architect or designer begins shaping the vision, ATMI Precast gets involved in the details. We collaborate to ensure the design is buildable with precast, stays aligned with your schedule and budget, and accounts for both structural needs and visual appeal. Our team doesn’t just react to plans. We help refine them to avoid rework and costly surprises later on.

Shop Drawings

Once the design is in place, we move into the shop drawing phase. This part of the process typically takes between four and twelve weeks depending on the complexity of the project. During this phase, drawings go through review cycles between our team, your architect, and any other stakeholders. Revisions and approvals can impact the final schedule, so staying responsive makes a difference. In some cases, drawings may be needed earlier in the process for permitting or approvals, and we’re prepared for that too.

Production + Preparation

With approvals in hand, our in-house production team begins manufacturing your precast components. Depending on the scope and schedule, this part of the journey usually takes between two and sixteen weeks. Everything is tracked and managed in alignment with your site readiness.

Erection + Finishing Touches

All phases are really working toward one big moment: erection day. Our own team handles the install onsite, which means no third-party subcontractors and no confusion about who’s accountable. Once the structure is in place, we move on to smaller follow-up work like detailing, welding, and other finishing tasks to wrap up our scope.

Ongoing Support

Just because the building is complete doesn’t mean our involvement ends. If you need modifications later, design updates, or coordination with other trades, we’re still here. ATMI Precast stays involved for the life of your building. Your needs might evolve, and we’re ready to help as they do.

Why In-House Matters

Here’s something that sets ATMI Precast apart: we don’t subcontract our core services. Our design, engineering, and erection teams are all in-house. That means your project has fewer handoffs, more accountability, and a simpler, more efficient process from start to finish. You won’t have to call three different companies to get answers. You’ll call us, and we’ll take care of it. As promised.

Ready When You Are

Every project takes its own path. What matters is having the right partner alongside you. ATMI Precast is flexible, collaborative, and focused on doing things the right way from concept to ribbon cutting. Whether you’re still exploring options or ready to get started, we’re here.

Let’s map out the smartest path forward together.

When space is tight but demand is high, building up is often the smartest move. Parking structures aren’t just about squeezing in more cars—they’re about making the most of every square foot, solving site challenges, and keeping things structurally sound from the ground up. That’s where ATMI Precast comes in.

Our precast systems bring strength, efficiency, and good design to every project. And when we’re brought in early, we’re able to collaborate closely with the general contractor, developer, and design team to plan smarter from the start. Understanding the nuances of each site up front means fewer surprises later—and a more efficient build overall.

From a multi-level deck with unique needs on every floor, to a tight site just inches from a glass tower, to a dual-use garage built over a stormwater system—these projects show how no two parking decks are ever the same. ATMI adapts to each challenge with tailored precast solutions that solve problems and get the job done. As Promised.

In this blog, we’re spotlighting three standout parking deck projects that pushed limits, solved tough challenges, and delivered big results.

Project A

When land is limited but parking demand is high, there’s only really one way to go—up! Project A was designed with that in mind. This deck spans four bays across and rises four levels above a below-grade parking area just for employees. That lower level even has its own entrance, stairwell, and elevator to keep staff access completely separate from guests.

Because of the size and flow of the garage, this project called for something you don’t see every day: two full sets of ramps to keep traffic moving smoothly across all levels. In addition to that, the deck required an entrance as grand as the entrance of the adjacent building, which felt open and inviting but could still handle the weight and wear of a fully loaded parking structure. Add in a sloped site and another building being constructed right next door and you have all the ingredients for a project that demands precise coordination and planning.

Cast-in-place concrete foundation walls were used to create two separate but tightly aligned structures. And because of the potential for future expansion, the parking deck was designed with horizontal expansion in mind.

Architecturally, the garage was finished with care—featuring one look for the spandrels and another for the columns to give it some visual variety. Exterior shear walls were used to manage wind and seismic loads while keeping the interior open and uncluttered.

Thoughtful fieldwork, including fencing, pour strips for drainage, and water-shedding slopes, ensured long-term durability and safety.

From concept to completion, Project A was about balancing technical demands with thoughtful design. And ATMI was proud to deliver both As Promised.

Rush University Parking Garage, Chicago, IL 900 parking spaces

This multi-level parking garage was first awarded to ATMI Precast in 2019, with plans to get it off the ground in 2020. Then COVID hit. Like a lot of things during that time, the project was paused—delayed for over a year. Full erection finally kicked off in 2022 and wrapped up in 2024. It was worth the wait.

Spanning four bays in width and three elevated levels, the garage was designed with more than just functionality in mind. To disguise the typical appearance of precast concrete, the structure was wrapped in architectural cladding—requiring extensive coordination for embed plates on the exterior panels to support the added facade. The result: a parking deck that doesn’t look like a parking deck at all.

One of the toughest challenges came from the garage’s close proximity—just 18 inches—to a 15-story glass medical office tower under construction at the same time. This required meticulous planning and execution to safely erect the structure without damaging the adjacent building. Adding to this complexity was a precast concrete canopy along the side closest to the tower, designed to shield the office from potential fire hazards from vehicles parked in that area.

On the safety side, the structure featured a unique cable barrier system instead of standard precast barriers. These tensioned cables are built to stop vehicles from going over the edge—each cable holding up to 30,000 pounds of force. The garage incorporated thicker, reinforced topping and upsized structural elements to handle these forces. It’s a rare, innovative approach in precast, and one we’re proud to have delivered.

Accessibility was also a major consideration. The garage needed to accommodate medical and handicap-accessible vans on all levels. That meant creating more vertical clearance without compromising strength. The solution? Post-tensioned beams. These beams are thinner than traditional precast but just as strong. This deck required the use of post-tensioned beams in approximately nine different areas to make sure everything met the specs.

This project showcased ATMI Precast’s ability to adapt, innovate, and coordinate under complex conditions—all while delivering a structure that is as visually discreet as it is structurally demanding.

Metro 19

Located in a vibrant western suburb of Chicago, Metro 19 shows what happens when smart design and close collaboration come together. This new mixed-use development centers around a residential complex offering market-rate apartments—seamlessly integrated with a multi-level parking structure built by ATMI Precast. But Metro 19 is more than just another parking garage—it’s a carefully engineered solution to a complex site challenge.

Located right across the street from a Metra commuter rail station, the project needed to balance parking for both commuters and residents. The developer teamed up with Metra in a public-private partnership to make it work. The first level of the garage is dedicated to commuters, while the upper levels are for residents. Each has its own entrance, which keeps things secure and easy to navigate. It’s a thoughtful solution that replaces lost surface parking and makes life a little easier for residents and commuters alike.

Below the surface, ATMI Precast’s innovation continued. With no space for traditional above-ground stormwater detention systems like ponds, the team worked with the developer to design a cast-in-place detention basin located beneath the parking garage itself. Precast components were used to build the structural surface above it, so drivers never even know they’re parking over a hidden water management system. It’s a smart way to handle runoff without sacrificing valuable space or affecting neighboring properties.

Because the residential building is connected to the garage in a few key spots, extra care went into making that connection safe and comfortable. The team added solid concrete firewalls and fire-stopping materials to meet code. Careful consideration was also given to reducing sound and vibration transfer using slip connections and expansion joint materials to ensure residents aren’t disturbed by any activity happening in the garage next door.

Visually, Metro 19 is anything but typical. The garage features a clean architectural finish, utilizing one concrete color treated with two levels of surface blasting. This created a subtle two-tone effect that complements the aesthetic of the adjacent residences and elevates the structure’s overall appearance.

Though compact in footprint, Metro 19 is packed with smart design moves. From water management to fire safety, commuter convenience to resident comfort, this project exemplifies how ATMI Precast brings engineering expertise and thoughtful collaboration to every layer—above and below ground.

Designed and Built to Do More

As cities grow and space gets tighter, parking structures are being asked to do more than ever before—blend into neighborhoods, serve multiple user groups, and stand up to the elements, all while looking good doing it. At ATMI Precast, we approach every parking deck with the same mindset: combine smart design with solid performance to create structures that work hard, last long, look good and meet the needs of today’s evolving spaces. From technical challenges to architectural finishes, we deliver parking solutions that go beyond the basics. As Promised.

At ATMI Precast, sustainability isn’t just something we build into our products, it’s something we live by. We talk a lot about helping customers bring environmentally conscious buildings to life. But we know that commitment has to start within our own walls. That’s why we’ve taken steps to make sure our own facilities reflect the same values we bring to every project.

Over the last few years, our plant has undergone major upgrades to reduce energy use, increase efficiency, and make our day-to-day operations more environmentally responsible. These aren’t flashy changes—but they’re smart, deliberate, and purpose-driven. Here’s a closer look:

LED Lighting Throughout the Plant

Lighting is one of the biggest energy consumers in any industrial setting. We’ve swapped out every light in our facility for high-efficiency LED bulbs. LEDs use significantly less power than traditional lighting and last longer and produce less heat—making them a smart choice for energy savings and overall plant safety.

Spray Foam Roof Insulation for Better Heat Retention

Heating and cooling a large production facility isn’t a small task, and energy can easily be lost through poorly insulated roofs. To combat that, we reinsulated our plant roof using spray foam. It’s a powerful barrier that helps keep warm air in during winter and hot air out during summer—resulting in lower energy use and a more comfortable, consistent indoor environment.

New Windows for Improved Efficiency

All of our plant windows have been replaced over the past three years with energy-efficient alternatives. Older windows can be a major source of heat loss and drafts. Our new windows help retain heat during the colder months and reduce the load on our HVAC systems year-round. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in overall energy performance.

Big Changes, Smaller Footprint

These upgrades may seem like behind-the-scenes work, but they play a central role in our mission. Every kilowatt saved, every draft sealed, every degree of improved insulation—it all adds up to a smaller carbon footprint and a more sustainable operation.

By investing in our own facilities, we’re proving that sustainability isn’t just something we build for others—it’s a standard we hold ourselves to, every day.

At ATMI Precast, sustainability is more than a commitment. It’s a core principle that guides every aspect of our operations. As a PCI Certified and Design Leadership in Energy and Environmental (LEED) certified organization, we’re dedicated to helping our clients achieve their sustainability objectives through innovative practices and cutting-edge technologies while achieving our own.

Proactive Carbon Footprint Forecasting

Understanding the environmental impact of a project before it begins is crucial. That’s why ATMI utilizes advanced software to provide carbon footprint forecasts during the planning stages. By inputting supplier data, including logistics, distances between locations, energy consumption for panel production, and material composition, we can estimate the project’s carbon footprint accurately. This proactive approach allows clients to make informed decisions and set realistic sustainability goals.

Sustainable Material Management

Efficient use of materials is a cornerstone of our sustainability efforts. We prioritize the recyclability of excess materials to minimize waste. Insulation scraps and unusable steel are returned to suppliers for recycling, ensuring they re-enter the production cycle. Any surplus concrete is repurposed for other projects, exemplifying our commitment to resource conservation.

Innovations in Precast Concrete

Enhancing the sustainability of our precast products begins with optimizing our concrete mixes. Recognizing that cement production significantly impacts Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), our Quality Control Team is dedicated to reducing cement content in our mixes.

By incorporating Supplemental Cementitious Materials (SCMs) such as slag, a byproduct of pig iron production, and fly ash from coal combustion, we not only decrease greenhouse gas emissions but also improve the durability of our precast concrete. The use of fly ash enhances workability, cohesiveness, and finishing. Its fine particles help reduce bleeding and segregation, making it especially beneficial in lean mixes. Additionally, because fly ash is finer than Portland cement, it fills even smaller voids in the concrete matrix—spaces that would typically be occupied by water. This results in stronger, less permeable concrete with improved long-term performance.

At ATMI Precast, our dedication to sustainability is reflected in every project we undertake. Through innovative technologies, responsible material management, and a commitment to transparency, we empower our clients to meet and exceed their sustainability goals. If you’d like to learn more about our sustainability initiatives or check out our EPDs, visit here.

Mission-critical data centers are the backbone of our digital world, housing the servers, hardware, and software that power everything from cloud storage and financial transactions to streaming services and gaming. These facilities are not just commercial buildings; they are high-stakes environments where security, durability, and efficiency are non-negotiable. With millions of dollars in equipment inside, data centers require structures that can withstand both the elements and the test of time.

That’s where precast concrete comes in. ATMI Precast provides sturdy, durable solutions designed to protect mission-critical infrastructure. Our thermally broken panels help maintain optimal interior temperatures, ensuring energy efficiency and reliability. And because function doesn’t have to come at the expense of form, our wide selection of finishes allows for architectural flexibility, delivering an eye-catching exterior without sacrificing performance.

In this blog, we’re highlighting three major data center projects where ATMI Precast played a crucial role in providing strength, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. These three projects are a small preview of how our expertise helps keep the digital world running – safety and securely.

Project Spotlight

Project A

For this mission-critical project, ATMI Precast was key in constructing a five-building data center complex, designed with future expansion in mind – allowing for an additional five buildings in Phase 2. Over the course of two years, we supplied and installed thermally broken precast panels to enhance energy efficiency and structural durability, complete with an architectural finish.

One of the unique aspects of this project was the integration of 2,000 electrical embeds directly into the precast panels. By casting the electrical conduits within the walls, we eliminated the risk of exposed wiring, enhancing safety, reducing potential damage to key components, and creating a cleaner, more streamlined design. This approach improved functionality and reinforced the reliability and longevity required for a data center complex of this scale.

Project B

This seven-building, 200,000-square-foot-per-building footprint data center complex project pushed the limits of efficiency and execution. While most projects of this scale take 18 months to 2 years, ATMI Precast completed it in just 9 months – a remarkable feat given the complexity and precision required.

From design and fabrication to erection and field services, our team handled every aspect of the precast process. With 3,500 precast pieces used in construction, this was a massive undertaking that required careful coordination and execution. Despite the tight timeline, the project was a resounding success, demonstrating the power of precast efficiency, expertise, and teamwork in mission-critical construction.

Project C

This single-building data center project came with unique challenges, as it was built on a brownfield site – a location with an existing industrial building. Unlike a blank slate, brownfield sites require careful planning to navigate pre-existing infrastructure and systems, adding layers of complexity to every construction phase.

The site’s location presented its own challenges, with tight logistics, which meant limited space for trucks and equipment. This required precise scheduling and phased execution to keep the project on track. Despite these obstacles, ATMI Precast delivered a seamless, high-performance solution, proving that even the most constrained sites can be transformed into mission-critical facilities with the right expertise.

Within Every Project, A Lesson

As technology evolves, the demand for mission-critical data centers will only continue to grow. ATMI Precast is proud to have contributed to more than (30) data center projects in the past 4 years, delivering the strength, efficiency, and precision these facilities require. We understand that protecting the technology inside starts with building a secure foundation, and we’re committed to delivering comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of each project. As promised.

There’s no question that concrete is one of the longest-lasting and most economical building materials. The fact that concrete actually gets stronger over time makes it a winner over other construction materials, like wood, for example. Believe it or not, there are actually 23 different types of concrete used in today’s modern construction industry. These types can be used in different applications to achieve a variety of results. But today, it’s the process we want to discuss: Precast concrete versus cast-in-place (CIP) concrete. What’s better? To answer that question, let’s take a look at each process, the advantages of each and, of course, your desired outcome.

What is Precast Concrete? 

Precast concrete products are cast at a factory. The concrete, a mixture of cement, water, aggregates and admixtures, is placed into a form and cured before being stripped. These products are then delivered to the construction site for erection into place. Precast products can include concrete bricks or stones, structural components and wall panels, to name just a few.

What Are the Advantages of Precast Concrete? 

The benefits of precast concrete are most notably speed, durability, efficiency and quality. However, perhaps the most important characteristic is the material’s flexibility. Precast concrete can be used in a variety of applications making it appealing to architects, developers, general contractors and designers alike.

Working with precast concrete offers the following advantages:

• Speed: Not only can products be cast while foundation work is in progress, but precast concrete components can be cast and erected year-round regardless of weather conditions.
• Durability: Concrete is by nature a highly-durable material that is resistant to wear, weather and damage.
• Energy Efficiency: Concrete’s high thermal mass conserves energy, and the use of insulated panels only enhance that attribute.
• Environmentally Friendly: Precast concrete is clean and waste-free, and the addition of by-products reduces requirement for cement in the mix, as evidenced by the ability to obtain LEED certification.
• High Quality: Since products are cast in a factory, quality control is very high and allows for a single source provider.
• Aesthetic Flexibility: Precast can mimic granite, limestone, brick and other masonry products and can be finished in variety of textures and colors.
• Design Flexibility: Precast concrete members can handle higher loading and longer span capabilities providing more flexibility with office and parking structures.

What is Cast-in-Place (CIP) Concrete? 

CIP (or site cast) concrete is prepared at local plants for construction site delivery via trucks with revolving drums. Once the concrete arrives, the walls and slabs are cast at the site in the formwork. CIP concrete requires a strength test and additional time for curing on-site. Sometimes it can be hard to control the mix when weather conditions are a factor.

What Are the Advantages of CIP Concrete? 

Strength, reduced transportation and insulation are the primary benefits of site cast concrete. While concrete is an inherently strong material, CIP concrete is preferred for laying foundations and basement walls. It is also relatively resistant to structural damage due to earthquakes, floods or other natural disasters. Since site cast concrete is cast at the construction site, there is no need for transportation of finished products. On the flip side, this process requires more labor onsite to ensure proper and timely pouring, molding and curing. Finally, since this type of concrete is poured on-site, there is a fewer occurrence of natural cracks or gaps between walls leading to insulation properties that extend to insects, mold and mildew.

Designing with Precast Concrete 

Developers, architects, designers and contractors come together on a building project to achieve a desired outcome. Usually each party has several challenges to overcome and the desired outcome is a cohesive look and feel that capitalizes on function and efficiency. Here’s some common issues that may arise during the planning process and how precast concrete can offer a solution. Check out the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) design resources for more information.

How can I ensure sufficient structural support for computer and storage systems in an office building or distribution center? High-strength flooring provides support for heavy loads now and in the future. Take a look at this data center.

Can using precast concrete increase energy efficiency? Yes, the material’s inherent thermal mass helps regulate temperatures but insulated precast concrete sandwich panels provide added energy efficiency due to insulation in the core.

How do I minimize congestion and safety concerns on-site and in the general vicinity during construction? Since precast concrete products can be delivered to the site as needed for that day’s erection, staging areas can be arranged nearby ensuring less traffic on-site and less congestion in the vicinity.

Can I create tall, open interiors with precast to allow for flexible merchandising space? Yes, architectural precast concrete panels can be designed to provide high ceilings. Check out this retail project.

What about delivery docking space? How can I accommodate trucks? Precast concrete panels’ capability to be cast in 12-feet widths or wider allows docking doors to be built into a single panel, providing inherent stability and fast erection. Take a look at this cargo center.

Can precast concrete materials help me create a design that complements surrounding buildings while also meeting brand requirements? Architectural precast concrete panels use colors, textures, reveals, finishes, form liners, or thin-brick insets to match any needed design style. These looks can be used for warehouse type retailers, additions to malls, stand-alone stores and more.

How can I design open interior spaces to maximize parking layout and provide a secure environment? Double tees can span long distances to eliminate columns and provide unobstructed view through the levels. Moment frames, k frames, lite walls and other unique structural supports can open interiors and smooth traffic flow. Check out this open parking deck.

How do I create high fire resistance? Precast concrete’s non-combustible composition minimizes the spread of fire, while compartmentalization design techniques provide time for detection, evacuation and suppression.

How can I create long-span areas like gymnasiums and pools? The use of precast hollow-core slabs and double tees can span long distances to minimize or eliminate columns where needed. Take a look at this recreation center.

What about noise? Can using precast concrete materials control acoustics? Yes, precast concrete wall panels, especially insulated panels, minimize noise between units.

I’m working with strict zoning requirements. How can I minimize floor-to-floor heights? Hollow-core slabs can serve as a combined ceiling/flooring unit, reducing the building’s height.

There are many factors to consider when choosing materials – and partners – for your project. Precast concrete continues to evolve as designers expand the applications of the material. ATMI Precast is a full-service precast construction company. We service a broad spectrum of project types, from mid-rise office to residential and parking and look forward to working with partners who will push the boundaries and create innovative projects. Long recognized as a leader in the field, ATMI Precast has earned customer recognition for our reliable performance, quality and service throughout the precast concrete construction process.

In 1983 Automatic Teller Modules, Inc. was formed by two Aurora families. One family, a second-generation family architectural firm specializing in financial institutions, and the other a third-generation family in concrete products and construction. The company was initially formed to fabricate and install modular buildings housing ATM machines – hence the name “Automatic Teller Modules, Inc.” The modular ATM buildings were precast concrete.

By 1985 the original firm had progressed to modular branch banks using precast concrete construction and full design build services for suburban branch banks also using precast concrete. The company began doing business as ATMI Design + Build. In 1987 ATMI Design + Build secured a multi-year contract with a large national financial institution to design and build a prototype branch bank and multiple replications each year for many years to come. The architectural piece was with the existing family firm, ATMI Design + Build brought the construction piece and the structure was precast, which closed the branch in rapidly for other trades to start.

The precast was a specialty architectural product and was being produced by a small, unrelated fabricator in Aurora, Illinois.  At the beginning of 1989 the small specialty precast fabricator was showing signs of distress in the midst of trying to produce multiple branch banks. ATMI Design + Build found itself in a situation of a key supplier for all of these banks in jeopardy.

By the summer of 1989, the principles of ATMI Design + Build and another member of the concrete products family (who had recently sold the family concrete products business) formed a new entity to produce the precast structures for the branch banks under a multi-year commitment. Since Automated Teller Modules, Inc. has been shortened to ATMI, the new entity formed to fabricate precast was named ATMI Precast, Inc. – which remains today.

In 1991, the national financial institution was itself distressed and the multi-year branch bank program was cancelled due to all capital expenditures being stopped on a national basis. The architectural firm had a contract for a new casino and parking deck and it was to be designed with precast. This order provided a life line in the absence of the branch bank orders for ATMI Precast.

By 1993, ATMI Precast re-focused on the industrial building market and built core relationships with the developers and builders in this market. Two years later, the industrial building market was driven by large public REIT’s. In addition, technology was allowing 30-foot clear height buildings and wider panels to accommodate dock doors. The market expanded beyond capacity for all of the key players including production capacity at ATMI Precast. As a result, ATMI Precast went from less than 500,000 square feet of walls fabricated in 1995 and 40 employees to over eight million square feet of walls, two million square feet of hollow core plank, over 500 employees, and the addition of two other fabrication facilities by 2006.

Today the ATMI Companies, consisting of ATMI Precast and ATMI Indy, LLC., fabricate approximately 19,000 pieces, nine million square feet of product, and 16,000 outbound over width, overweight, permitted truckloads to approximately 150 buildings per year. The ATMI Companies, service the industrial building market, the parking deck market, the urban multi-story retail market, and multi-story residential markets.